In 1920, the Boston Red Sox traded Babe Ruth because the owner, Harry Frazee, needed the money to invest in a Broadway play for his girlfriend. Before the trade, they won four World Series with Babe Ruth but after the trade, it took them nearly 84 years before they could win again.
The new employer of Ruth were the Yankees, who has never won a single World Series championship before the trade. But after 1920, they hold a record 26 championships. This is why Sox fans call it the curse of the Bambino, because when they gave up a loyal player of the game, everything fell apart.
Far reaching than baseball games
The lesson to be learned here is to recognize the value of the employee and to recognize what they could be down the road. Trading employees for short term value to increase profits, or for political plays could end up being a disasterous decision. I'm not advocating keeping non-performers; Babe Ruth was certainly performing throughout his career with the Red Sox. But yet he was still traded for short term gain and his potential was not at all developed by the Sox organization.
Babe Ruth was a sleeping giant
As a pitcher for the Sox, Ruth was a good performer. But he is not known for pitching, he is known for home runs. The change of attitude, adaptation of skill and his continuous attempt to improve earned him a spot in the Baseball Hall of Fame. I personally believe because he was rejected by the Sox, that he was further motivated to push harder and the silent skilled giant awoke. The Red Sox organization didn't recognize this, but you better bet, the Yankees definitely said thank you.
"Don't let the fear of striking out hold you back." --Babe Ruth
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